​Dr. Rosenbaum advocated for compassion and empathy in medical care

​Dr. Ed Rosenbaum was the author of “A Taste of My Own Medicine” which shared the autobiographical story of his experiences as a physician while being treated for cancer. The book became a movie in 1991 titled “The Doctor” starring the award winning actor, William Hurt. Both the book and the movie advocate for compassion and empathy in medical care. As a consequence the movie continues to be required viewing in hospitals and medical schools throughout the world.

​His other achievements include establishing the Division of Rheumatology at what has become the Oregon Health & Science University. He practiced medicine for almost four decades with his brother at an office in Northwest Portland. OHSU established the Edward E Rosenbaum Professorship in Inflammatory Diseases to honor his name and to perpetuate his work. Three of his sons, two of his daughters-in-law, two of his nephews, and two of his grandchildren have chosen to become physicians. (Some black sheep became lawyers or donate their time with Hospice Foundations.) Ed Rosenbaum passed away in 2008 at age 93.

​This memorial fund was named July 28, 2012 at our Garden Party Gala and Governor Barbara Roberts, the first recipient of the Edward E. Rosenbaum Life Award was honored at the event.

2012 RecipientGovernor Barbara Roberts

Barbara Roberts was elected Governor of the State of Oregon in November of 1990, becoming not only the first woman governor of her state but also one of the first ten female governors in the nation. During her four year term (1991-1995), Governor Roberts was recognized as a strong advocate for environmental management, human and civil rights, and creative workforce development. She also became a nationally acknowledged leader in the field of government redesign and reinvention.

Prior to being elected governor, Barbara Roberts was elected Oregon Secretary of State, serving from 1985-1991. She was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1981-1985 and served as Majority Leader in 1983 and 1984. Roberts also served as a county commissioner, elected school board member for 10 years and a community college board member for a four year term. She began public service as a citizen advocate for disabled children as she fought for the educational rights of her autistic son before the Oregon Legislature in 1971.​Following her time as Governor of Oregon, Barbara Roberts held a position at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government for four years where she served as Director of the State and Local ​Government Executive Programs. She was also a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Women and Public Policy Program.​Barbara returned to Oregon in 1998 taking a position at Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government as the Associate Director of Leadership until early 2005. She now serves as a Metro Councilor for District 6, which encompasses southwest and southeast Portland.Governor Roberts was married to the late State Senator Frank Roberts, who died under the care of hospice in 1993. While she served as governor, she endorsed and voters later approved the state’s landmark Death with Dignity Act in 1994. She later related the positive effects of this law to Washingtonians, as they considered and eventually passed their own Death with Dignity Act in 2008.Governor Roberts serves on the advisory board for Compassion & Choices of Oregon and was on the board for the Oregon Hospice Association. She has been an active public speaker focusing on issues of death and grieving, leadership, women in politics, and environmental stewardship. Her book “Death Without Denial, Grief Without Apology” was released in 2002 and is currently used by hospice organizations here in Oregon and around the country.

It is because of her tireless work and passion on these important issues that Pacific NW Hospice Foundation is honored to present the first annual Edward E. Rosenbaum Life Award to Governor Barbara Roberts.